Polynucleotides Treatments for
Face and Under Eyes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are derived from salmon or trout DNA, which is then purified and sterilised so that it can be injected into the skin tissue. Also frequently known as PN or PDRN, they are a regenerative treatment which aims to improve the appearance of the skin by introducing DNA molecules that encourage the skin to repair itself from within.

Polynucleotides treatment triggers the body’s natural collagen production. By injecting them into the skin tissue, they improve the texture and elasticity of the skin as well as enhancing the skin’s natural capacity to retain moisture, which results in a more hydrated appearance. They can be used as a treatment in their own right or to compliment other aesthetic treatments, suitable for all skin types regardless of age.

There are different formulations of polynucleotides treatments which contain differing concentrations. Some polynucleotides for face treatment, as well as neck and hands, also contain additional hyaluronic acid. Your practitioner will discuss the appropriate formulations to suit your requirements.

What Happens During My First Consultation and Treatment?

During your initial consultation, and before any subsequent polynucleotides treatments, your trained practitioner will discuss your current health, your past medical history and the current condition of your skin. The consultation is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and for your practitioner to explain the purpose of polynucleotides. They will make clear what to expect during and after treatment. If you wish to proceed with treatment once the consultation is finished, you will need to sign a consent form which tells us that you understand the treatment, the expected outcomes and any potential risks or side effects involved. The type of polynucleotide product chosen will depend on the length or treatment and the process involved. The treatment will typically take 15 - 30 minutes.

What Should I Do Before Treatment?

• Please arrive with no make-up on to reduce the risk of infection.
• Please ensure you are well hydrated for the few days preceding your treatment.
• If there have been any changes to your medical history since your consultation, please inform us.

You will not be suitable for polynucleotides treatment if you:

• Have an active herpes infection.
• Have an ongoing auto-immune disease or are currently undergoing immunotherapy.
• Have an allergy to any of the product components.
• Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Should / Shouldn’t I Do After My Treatment?

Your medical practitioner will discuss any aftercare instructions at the end of your treatment, this will also be sent to your email for future reference.

• Do not touch, press, or rub the treated area for at least 12 hours after treatment.
• Avoid aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve (all non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), gingko biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E or any other essential fatty acid for at least 3 days – 1 week prior to and after your treatment.
• If you experience any discomfort, you may take paracetamol.
• Do not shower for 6 hours after your treatment.
• Do not use any lotions, creams, or make-up for at least 12 hours after your treatment.
• Avoid vigorous exercise and heat exposure for 24 hours after your treatment.
• Ensure the use of sunscreen in the immediate days after treatment.
• Avoid Alcohol, excessive caffeine and cigarettes for 3 days before and after your treatment.
• Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water the day of treatment. Continue to be mindful of hydration for the following 7 days.

What Can I Expect in the Days After My Polynucleotides Treatment?

Immediately following your polynucleotide treatment, you can expect some mild redness, swelling and bruising. This typically lasts 24 - 48 hours. Tenderness can be felt at the injection site and will also resolve after a few days. Visible results may take slightly longer in some patients than others. Typically, results are seen within a few weeks after your second treatment. The full effects become more visible over several months. This is due to the polynucleotide stimulating the body’s own natural collagen production.  A course usually consists of 3 treatments. Your practitioner will assess and advise you of your tailored polynucleotide treatment plan.

Results from a course of polynucleotides treatments may last up to 6 -12 months, however this will differ for individual patients. We encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maximise results.

How Many Polynucleotides Treatments Will I Need?

Multiple treatment sessions may be required, and we do emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout treatment.   Your practitioner will discuss an appropriate treatment plan tailored for you. Maintenance sessions are recommended every 3 - 6 months. This will be discussed at your initial consultation.

What Skin Conditions Can Polynucleotides Treatment Be Used For?

Polynucleotides can be used to effectively treat a variety of skin conditions including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, rosacea, dehydrated, ageing and lifeless skin as well as thinning hair. Polynucleotides under eye treatment is particularly popular at Serenity, as well as our other Polynucleotides for face conditions.

Where Can Polynucleotides Be Used?

Polynucleotides can be used for the face, neck, décolletage, back of the hands and to rejuvenate the scalp / hair.

Polynucleotides under eye treatment is typically delivered by the use of a blunt tip cannula or a very small needle to minimise bruising and to improve comfort.

Polynucleotides for face treatments are either used in conjunction with microneedling or injected via mesotherapy technique. These are a series of very small injections to the treatment area. Numbing cream can be applied for your comfort if you would like, although most patients do not find this treatment uncomfortable.

Polynucleotides treatments can be used as an individual treatment or to complement other aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers, Botox and beauty boosters. At Serenity we promote a holistic approach to anti-ageing both inside and out to deliver you the best possible results.

Do I Need to Come for a Review / Follow up Appointment?

Several treatments are required to see the full benefits of polynucleotides treatment, around 2 – 4 weeks apart. Typically, 2 – 4 treatments are suggested. Your practitioner will discuss this at your consultation. Review appointments are not usually required. Though we encourage you to contact the clinic with any questions or concerns you may have in the days following your treatment, and a review appointment can then be arranged if necessary.

How Much Downtime Will I Have With Polynucleotides?

Immediately following treatment, you may experience slight swelling, bruising and mild redness to the treatment site. This typically settles within 24 – 48 hours, and is concealable with make up after 24 hours. Visible results may take slightly longer to appear in some patients than others. Typically, results are seen within a few weeks of the second treatment. The full effects become more visible over several months. This is due to the polynucleotide stimulating the body’s own natural collagen production.

Are Polynucleotides Treatments Painful?

Polynucleotides treatment is relatively comfortable, and your practitioner can apply numbing cream for you to the area before treatment, although this is not essential. This will be discussed at your consultation. We strive to make you as comfortable as possible during all treatments with us.

Are Polynucleotides Safe for the Skin?

There are potential side effects that occur with polynucleotides treatment. However, polynucleotides are considered “safe” treatments when performed correctly by a suitably trained and experienced medical professional who has detailed knowledge of the structure of the skin and its many functions. At Serenity you can be assured that your treatments will only be carried out by experienced professionals.

Are Polynucleotides Good for Your Skin?

Polynucleotides are good for the skin since they help to improve skin texture and tone. Collagen synthesis is promoted within the skin tissues and hydration levels are significantly improved.

Lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, as is scarring, and the skin appears more radiant with a more youthful appearance. Hair growth can be promoted in those with thinning hair and facial rosacea symptoms are also minimised.

Polynucleotides under eye treatment visibly improves the texture of the delicate skin around the eye area, can reduce the appearance of dark circles to the eye, and may be used in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments or by itself.

Overall, Polynucleotides are appropriate for most skin types. 

Are Polynucleotides Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Polynucleotides for face are generally safe for those with rosacea and sensitive skin. Your practitioner will carry out a thorough consultation at which your full medical history will be required. If you suffer with an auto-immune disease or have an active infection at treatment site, you will not be able to have treatment.

Can Polynucleotides Be Used in Conjunction With Any Other Treatment?

Polynucleotides can be used in conjunction with any of the other treatments we offer at Serenity including Botox, dermal fillers, skin booster, microneedling and skin resurfacing treatment. Polynucleotides are valuable as part of our aim to enhance the overall appearance and condition of your skin as much as possible. We advocate a holistic approach to your rejuvenation needs.

What Polynucleotides Brand Do We Choose?

Here at Serenity, we use PhilArt Polynucleotides by Croma Pharma. The bio-stimulatory gel is made up of long-chain polynucleotides, while PhilArt Next also contains Hyaluronic acid for additional hydration. PhilArt Next is most appropriate as the polynucleotides for face, neck and hands.

There are various compositions within the PhilArt range, and which is chosen is dependent on the condition and area to be treated. Please see below:

Who Is Suitable for Polynucleotides Treatment?

If any of the following apply to you, you will not immediately be able to have a polynucleotide appointment:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have an active herpes infection.
• You have an active infection.
• If you have an auto-immune disease affecting the immune system.
• You are allergic to any product components.
• You are vegan.

There may be other reasons why you may not be suitable for treatment. If so, your practitioner will point these out during your consultation.

Are Polynucleotides Better Than Profhilo?

Profhilo and polynucleotides are different in their composition. Profhilo consists of 24mg/ml of hyaluronic acid while polynucleotides are a biostimulator. They are both effective treatments in their own right and your practitioner will advise you on the most suitable treatment. They can be used in conjunction for a holistic approach.

Profhilo generally improves hydration with a subtle volumising effect. It is injected into the skin tissue. The effects are seen almost immediately, although 2 – 3 treatments are typically required. Areas that can be treated include the face, neck, décolletage, hands, arms, thighs and stomach. Profhilo is not suitable for the under eyes.

Polynucleotides are regenerative and work actively on the skin to stimulate collagen production, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Results are seen gradually over time and after a course of treatment. 2 – 4 treatments are typically required. Areas that can be treated include the face, under eyes, neck, décolletage, back of the hands and for the treatment of thinning hair.

What Is The Difference Between Polynucleotides And PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin)?

Both polynucleotides and PRF will promote collagen production and the healing effect within the skin tissue. However, polynucleotides are a Salmon or trout derived formulation compared with that of PRF. Polynucleotides have been shown to sweep up free radicals that lead to premature ageing as well as promoting fibroblast activity.

PRF is an autologous product, which essentially means that it comes from you and is superior to PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). A blood sample is taken and spun on a low spin on a centrifuge. From the sample the platelets, which are rich in fibrin and growth factors, are re-injected back into the treatment area. The fibrin acts as a mesh for the growth factors to bind to while the growth factors encourage collagen production and tissue regeneration.

Your practitioner will discuss the best option for you at your initial consultation. PRF would be preferable for you if you are allergic to any of the components in the polynucleotide formulation or if you are vegan.

What Side Effects Do Polynucleotides Have?

Side effects with PhilArt polynucleotides include, but are not limited to:

• Bruising – which in some cases may take several days to heal.
• Pain or stinging at the localised injection site.
• Injections around the lip area may trigger a recurrence of facial herpes for patients with a history of cold sores.
• Swelling, redness and tenderness at the injection site.
• Allergic reaction – not recommended for those with fish allergy.

Does Polynucleotides Under Eyes Treatment Reduce Dark Circles And Under Eye Bags?

Polynucleotides under eyes treatment can improve darkness, fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a brighter appearance. When injected under the eye the skin quality is improved, but polynucleotides do not improve under eye hollowing like a traditional hyaluronic acid dermal filler will do. By supporting the skin, the tissue will appear firmer and plumper. Polynucleotides can be used in conjunction with dermal fillers or as a treatment by themselves.

Would Polynucleotides Under Eye Treatment Replace My Under Eye Skin Care Regime?

Absolutely not, it is imperative to always maintain a healthy skin regime using superior ingredients. Retinol is a key ingredient to be incorporated into your regime to maximise collagen production and to maintain healthy skin. Sunscreen is imperative, especially if you are using retinol as this will make you increasingly sensitive to the sunlight. The skin around the eye is particularly thin and succumbs to sun damage easily. Protecting this area is vital.

 Consistency is key. If you are going to the gym regularly and eating a healthy diet, you will see results. The same is true of your skin. We know that we all live busy lives, but your skincare regime need not take any longer than brushing your teeth in the morning. 

We appreciate that choosing the correct skincare regime can be a bit of a minefield. If you would like assistance to maximise your results and save money - instead of trying endless different products that simply sit on your shelf - talk to one of our expert practitioners today!